The Seventh Day

Chapter 13: Long Lost Brother (Annie's Flashback)

        Sometimes I always wonder if I’d ever remember what it is like when I was born. I know it’s weird to think of such thing. Well of course, I couldn’t even remember my other memories when I was 3. But my mom says I’m an imaginative person, sort of, so when she spends her time with me; opening up about those certain times when she was still carrying me in her womb, or how happy she were when I was born, or that time when I had my first word which is ehm-mi which was supposed to be mommy.

         I sure wish I have a sibling to share everything with. My friends have brothers or sisters whom they find it to be a curse on their life because of they are annoying or was a favourite of their parents. Others find it hard to believe that I too, once had a sibling. An older brother to be exact.

                Anthony, the only person who’s been always there for me, who’s always eager to take a blame for himself, just so I can get out of all the trouble, who always defend me from the bullies that pick on me. He’s my everything.

                Well, he’s the only guy I can trust, besides dad, and of course, Anthony is my brother.                     

                He was only 7 years old when I was born. At the age of 3, mom opens up to me about how Anthony wants a sibling of his own, someone whom he can share his toys with, and someone whom he can play with. Funny, because at first, Anthony wanted a baby brother, but instead, he got me.

                At first, mom said when Anthony saw me first, when I was laid upon mommy’s arms, he already was suggesting some boy’s name until mom said I was a girl. Anthony’s enthusiasm was replaced by a slight disappointment, but somehow, he accepted the fact that I am a girl, and I’m his sister.

                I was only 3 when I get to feel Anthony’s brotherly care. He even has to play dolls with me just so I could have fun. I remember calling him Mr. Pumpkinson as one of my Tea Party guest, somehow I can say, he’s the best brother there is.

                After 12 years, my sibling bond with Anthony began to disappear as he reaches puberty. When I ask him to at least hang-out with me because I’m not a friendly person for the fact that both of us goes to the same school, he just acts like he was matured enough, and always reasoning out, I’m 19 and I have no time for playing games.

                Somehow, Anthony’s way too busy to even bother giving me any attention. He spends the rest of his weekends hanging-out with his girlfriend Gwen, always comes home late, and who knows, maybe he’s smoking pot or drinking alcohol without mom and dad’s permission.

                “Anthony?” I knocked on his door, but he didn’t answer. Stuttering, I slowly reached for the door knob, “I’m coming in okay?” The door silently creaked as I opened it slightly. The room was dark and quiet. Too quiet. I cup my hands over the wall to find the switch for the light. As the light turns on, my eyes adjusted over the surroundings. I scan my eyes over Anthony’s room, hoping that he was there, but no sign of Anthony anywhere. “His window’s open, probably sneaked out again. He was supposed to be grounded.” I sigh.

                I took a peek on Anthony’s stuff, with a bit of luck, maybe I can find some motivation so I could pursue his attitude sometime. But in some way, all I saw around Anthony’s room was his dirty clothes piled up in the corner, and yet he didn’t bother to put them on the laundry. Mom would be fierce if she sees this. One by one I pick it up so I could directly wash it so he won’t problem that he’s got nothing to wear.

                The stench of his clothes dispersed in my nostrils as fumes, such as sweat and alcohol, made my eyes burst in tears.